Craig Levein finally paid the price for Scotland’s dismal start to their World Cup qualifying campaign after being “relieved of his duties” as national team manager.

But the former Dundee United and Hearts manager will continue to receive his wages after the Scottish Football Association agreed to honour the remaining 20 months of his contract.

Levein was removed from his role four days after the seven-man SFA board first met to discuss his position and Scotland Under-21 head coach Billy Stark was handed temporary charge of the team for next Wednesday’s friendly in Luxembourg.

Former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan, who was interviewed for the role before Walter Smith took over in January 2005, emerged as the initial favourite but an appointment could take some time.